Hi, I am Justin Wilder, owner of Wild Water Plumbing and Septic, and a U.S. Navy Veteran.
If you live in Richlands, you know this town has its own rhythm, its own pace, and its own way of doing things.
I spend a lot of time out here repairing wells for families who love the quiet, open spaces, the long backroads, and the farmland that makes Richlands feel like home.
But one issue I see again and again in this area is low water pressure caused by aging well systems.
As your well pump ages, your water pressure drops gradually.
Sometimes it happens so slowly that homeowners do not even notice until they are standing in the shower, wondering why the water has turned into a slow drip.
Today, I want to explain why this happens so often in Richlands, what the real causes are, and what you can do before your well pump quits completely.
Why Low Water Pressure Is So Common In Richlands Homes
Richlands has many older wells, especially in areas off Cow Horn Road, Fowler Manning, and the neighborhoods stretching toward Comfort Highway.
Many of these systems were installed years ago and have seen decades of wear.
When a well system ages, pressure issues almost always show up before anything else.
Aging Pumps Lose Strength Over Time
Your well pump is just like any other motor. After years of heavy use, it stops performing as well as it did when new.
As pumps age, the following problems appear:
Internal bearings wear down
Impellers get coated in sand and minerals
Electrical components weaken
The pump struggles to build pressure
When this happens, you notice slow faucets, weak showers, and long wait times for pressure to recover.
Richlands Wells Pull More Sediment Than Most People Realize
The soil around Richlands is a mix of sand and clay.
This means your well pump works harder to pull clean water, especially when your system is older or not serviced regularly.
Sediment Makes Pumps Lose Efficiency
As sediment builds up inside the pump, it becomes harder for the motor to move water at the same pressure you are used to.
Sediment buildup leads to:
Clogged impellers
Restricted water flow
Lower pump output
Constant strain on the motor
I see this most often in older homes near the outskirts of town, where wells tend to be deeper and draw up more natural debris.
Old Pressure Tanks Are One Of The Biggest Causes Of Low Pressure
Many Richlands homes still rely on older pressure tanks that have outlived their prime.
The tank is what regulates pressure, stores water, and helps your pump cycle properly.
When The Tank Ages, Pressure Becomes Unstable
Over time, the bladder in the tank can rupture or lose air.
That causes the pump to kick on constantly or struggle to hold steady pressure.
Signs your pressure tank is failing:
Water pressure rises and drops while you use a faucet
The pump turns on every few seconds
You hear clicking near the tank
Your water flow is inconsistent throughout the house
If you hear a rapid clicking noise in the utility room or pump house, that is a telltale sign the tank is done.
Wiring And Electrical Components Wear Down In Older Systems
Another issue I see in Richlands is old or failing wiring feeding the well pump.
Over the years, heat, moisture, and soil movement can weaken wiring.
Weak Wiring = Weak Pump Performance
If the pump is not getting enough voltage, it cannot build pressure the way it should.
Low voltage causes:
Slow pump output
Hard starts
Overheating
Early pump failure
I see this a lot in older rural homes with original wiring or older control boxes.
Why Richlands Homes See Pressure Problems Before Total Pump Failure
Most pump failures do not happen overnight.
They start with minor symptoms that grow over months or even years.
Low Pressure Is Your First Warning Sign
Many families call me and say, “The pump was working fine until last week.”
But when I inspect the system, I can usually tell the pump has been struggling for a long time.
The warning signs include:
Slow sinks and showers
Pressure dropping when multiple fixtures run
Pump running for too long
Pump struggling to shut off
Gurgling or air in water lines
Catching these signs early saves you money and stress.
How I Fix Low-Pressure Problems In Richlands
Every home in Richlands is different, so I always start with a full inspection.
I check the pump, pressure tank, control box, wiring, filters, sediment buildup, and the well itself.
My approach includes:
Checking pump output
Testing pressure tank health
Inspecting all wiring
Clearing sediment blockages
Evaluating pump age and performance
Confirming water levels
Once I know what is causing your low pressure, I walk you through your options and show you the most cost effective solution.
When You Need Help, I Am Right Here In Richlands
Low pressure is annoying, but it is also the first sign your well system needs attention.
Whether you live near Richlands Elementary, along Bannermans Mill Road, or out on the farmland roads toward the county line, I am here to help.
As a U.S. Navy Veteran, I believe in honest service, straight talk, and doing the job right the first time.
If your water pressure has dropped or your well pump is showing signs of age, reach out to Wild Water Plumbing and Septic.
I will get your water flowing strong again.
